The "Randomize" button lets you control how liquids are distributed across a plate by introducing randomization into their placement.
This helps reduce systematic bias, supports good experimental design, and simplifies the setup of replicates and controls.
Randomization is supported in several contexts within Synthace:
1. Make Mixtures: Plate Layouts Mode
Randomization is supported in both options within the "Plate Layouts" mode in the "Make Mixtures" element.
Descriptive Mode
Assign specific regions of the plate to each liquid, then randomize the positions of those liquids within their assigned region.
To find out more about "descriptive mode" in the "Make Mixtures" element, click here.
Combinatorial Mode
Randomize the final positions of all generated mixtures across the selected wells. This is useful for avoiding layout-driven effects in fully combinatorial designs.
To find out more about "combinatorial mode" in the "Make Mixtures" element, click here.
2. Plate Contents Editor
The “Randomize” button is available in all elements that include a Plate Contents Editor. These include Aliquot, Make Mixtures, Make Combinatorial Mixtures, and Describe Layouts.
Why Use Randomized Layouts?
Avoids location-based biases (e.g., edge effects)
Improves statistical validity of your results
Simplifies setup of replicates and randomized controls
Eliminates the need for manual reshuffling in external tools